Co. Antrim - 1

Detta and I have been very busy the past two days. On Monday, we left and drove up the Antrim Coastline on the Giant Causeway's Scenic Drive. Our first stop was Carrickfergus Castle but we were too early so we decided to push on.

We drove up onto Islandmagee. The roads are so small and narrow. I was interested in finding a particular ancient monument, Ballylumford dolmen. It is actually in someone's frontyard, now that is what I call a garden decoration. We drove onto Portmuck harbour, it would be a lovely place to rent a cottage. I can just see Donovan and Miles playing on the beach.

We then headed up the coast, it is so beautiful. I went inland at Ballygowan to try and find some ancient monuments. We did manage to find a standing stone but as it was in the middle of a farmer's field we just looked from the sidelines. There was a small tractor track between the fields, Detta though I might get arrested for going down it. There wasn't a soul around. We stopped near Linford at a viewing area and ate the lunch Patricia had made for us. It was delicious. Detta really likes the sandwiches, chicken and coleslaw on granary bread.

We continued up the coast and stopped at Bonamargy Friary, just outside Ballycastle. It was a ruin, Detta thought we were trespassing. I told her it was well marked and had parking so it must be open to the public. Sorley Boy from the 16th century is buried there.

Our next stop was Kinbane Castle, it was fantastic. But you really need to be in shape. The stairs going down seemed to go on forever, and the thought of climbing back up! Detta was not so keen. I am not sure if the castle is supposed to be open as it was a bit of a climb to get up. I though it was fantastic but I was completely knackered by the time we reached the top.

We continued on to the Carrick-a-rede Rope bridge but it was very busy. We thought we might go there the next day. We stopped to view Dunseverick Castle. This must have been a very cold spot to live in a stone castle. From there we went onto Dunluce Castle, we decided the Giant's Causeway was too busy.Dunluce Castle is beautiful. Sorley Boy MacDonnell lived here. It is right on the edge of a cliff. It was built in the 13th century and has quite a history to it.From here I decided to find somewhere for the night. We drove into Portrush but it was so busy we went onto Portstewart. We found a lovely B&B called Cul Erg B&B. Detta wanted fish & chips for dinner, so we went to the Harbour Cafe. We got there at the right time, because as we ordered, people were starting to wait for tables. It was very reasonable about £15.00 for both of us.


After dinner, I decided we should go looking for some ancient monuments which we never found. So we stopped back at Dunluce castle and took some pictures of the sun going down. The sun sets about 10:30pm here!!